Meaningful Dialogue With the Public
By engaging in a true dialogue with the public, you may learn some useful information and actually enjoy the give-and-take.
Elaine Cogan
Elaine Cogan, founding principal of the Portland, Oregon planning and communications firm of Cogan Owens Cogan, has consulted for more than 36 years with communities undertaking strategic planning and visioning processes. Elaine has been honored for her work on a variety of citizen involvement projects, including “Complete Communities for Clackamas County,” which received the American Planning Association's 2002 Public Education Award.
Between 1991 and 2009, her “The Effective Planning Commissioner” column ran in the Planning Commissioners Journal. All of her past columns (along with her new ones) are available here on PlannersWeb.com.
The Endemic Problem of Information Overload
As a planning commissioner, do you sometimes suffer from information overload? Some suggestions for relief.
Visioning Can Be Planning Writ Large
Engaging in a visioning process for your city or town can be an exciting, but challenging, undertaking. A look at the key elements in this process.
Consider the Needs of Generation Xers in Your Public Involvement Strategies
PCJ columnist Elaine Cogan outlines ways of involving younger people in the planning process.
In the Beginning
Why the first few minutes of your planning commission meeting are especially important.
When Major Players Come to Bat
How do you deal with the “major players” in your community when land use issues are at stake?
Variety on the Planning Commission is a Virtue
How wide a net does your commission cast in seeking out new members? asks PCJ columnist Elaine Cogan.
Lighten Up
Being a planning commissioner is a serious job, with serious responsibilities. However, if you take the opportunity to engage your community in stimulating and enjoyable planning exercises, you will find a receptive audience and reap positive results.
When Labels are Counter-Productive
Elaine Cogan considers the wisdom of “labeling” planning board members by their “characteristics.” With responses from our online reviewers.
Enticements Needed to Woo the Public
People are friendlier, to their fellow citizens and to the conveners of meetings, if their stomachs aren’t grumbling. How food can make a difference.
Lessons from the Oregon Experience
In November 2004, Oregon voters approved Measure 37 — perhaps the most drastic approach to limiting government “takings” in the nation. Long-time Oregon resident and PCJ columnist Elaine Cogan offers her insights on why voters supported this measure.
On Gauging Public Opinion
PCJ columnist Elaine Cogan provides an overview of ways by which planning commissions can gauge public opinion.
Three Articles on Planning for our Aging Population
1. Ways of better involving older residents in planning; 2. mobility concerns of an aging population; 3. housing & land use issues facing seniors.
